Invisalign Not Tracking? Try Our Tips!

Is your Invisalign not tracking?  You should try the following; 1-Use chewies to seat your Invisalign trays, 2- Wear aligners 22 hours a day, 3- Consult your orthodontist about backtracking, 4- Go for a treatment revision. Below, we discuss these points in more detail.

Invisalign treatment is a popular orthodontic treatment system. It needs little effort and costs little in pain. Not to mention fewer visits to the orthodontist. This is the result of smartphones and smart apps.

Your on-phone scan will show the progress. At times, your scan will show your Invisalign is not tracking. In this article, we’ll show you why and how to correct it. Let’s start with what tracking is.

What is Tracking Anyway?

The term tracking describes the fitting of the aligners on the teeth. In order for tracking to be successful, the aligners match the shape of the teeth and fit snugly. This proves the movement of the teeth has gone as planned.

If your Invisalign isn’t tracking properly, there will be gaps around the teeth. This is proof of incorrect movement.

Does Bad Tracking Happen Often?

YES. Just under 50% of treatment plans will need a tracking rethinking. This is common and you should not be concerned. As you will read below, a change of attitude may be all that is needed. Otherwise, new scans and aligner sets will be ordered.

How do You tell Tracking is Bad

Your scans will show bad tracking quality. Your orthodontist will see air bubbles in some scans. Other times there may be arch fitting issues. Both arches must fit in the same way. Lastly, your orthodontist may see gingival areas. This means the gingival isn’t covered well.

Check if Your Aligners Are Tracking Correctly

The aligners fit perfectly around your teeth without being loose. The aligner should have a hold on the teeth and should be well secured to the edge of your teeth. If aligner trays don’t fit the teeth, you should notify your provider about that.

To be able to track properly, trays should be securely wrapped over all the teeth without any gaps. Invisalign uses gentle pressure to gently move teeth, this movement needs a proper fitting.

Use Chewies To Seat Your Invisalign Trays

Invisalign Chewies are a great option for corrective action. Chewies are soft and flexible chewable material rolls that resemble earplugs or cotton rolls. These chewies are meant to help your teeth fit in with your Invisalign aligner.

Once you have eaten and brushed your teeth, chew for about 2 minutes. Give all areas the same amount of time and ensure aligners are tracking properly. Use chewies every time you place aligner trays back on the teeth.

Possible Causes of Poor Tracking

There are many possible causes of bad tracking. The fact they are not worn for a short period of time. Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day for them to be effective.

It is not unreasonable for the wearer to have moments where they forget to take them to work or school. Or asleep without putting them in.

Another issue that occurs is damage to the aligner shape. Remove the aligner gently or you risk warping the shape or cracking it.

Do not go too long without wearing the aligner. If you leave Invisalign for too long, your teeth can start shifting. Eventually, a consistent alignment can be achieved with constant behavior.

Invisalign Treatment Needs 22 Hours Per Day

When you notice teeth overlapping or missing teeth within the aligner, it’s possible you aren’t wearing them properly. 

• Ideally, you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily.

Go For a Treatment Revision

An Invisalign treatment revision may be needed. When chewies can’t align the teeth correctly with aligners you need a provider who will examine your oral health plan. Orthodontists are experts and are well informed and ready for changes in the treatment duration.

A treatment change is not necessarily an incorrect diagnosis. If your Invisalign aligners don’t track correctly, a change can be made.

Ask About Backtracking

Backtracking is a simple technique. You will go back to the previous set of aligners until good tracking is proven in the scan. Your orthodontist will decide whether this is appropriate.

More Reasons For Bad Tracking?

Constant Removal

Removal of aligners for smoking or snacking will reduce the effectiveness of the aligners.

Loss

Loss of aligners is common. The major downside to loss is the wait for new trays. Tracking and the time scale are affected by delays.

Damage From Heat

Damage from heat sources can be fatal for the plastic material used. If you drink hot drinks while wearing your aligners or leave the aligners in the sun you will damage the shape and quality of the plastic. The aligners need a small warp to be ineffective. BE CAREFUL of warping the shape.

• DON’T DRINK HOT DRINKS
• DON’T LEAVE ALIGNERS IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Smoking

Smoking coats the aligners in nicotine. This ruins the integrity of the plastic.

• DON’T SMOKE

Move to a Different Provider

Moving to a different provider is a hard step to take. As a customer, you want results for the money and braces are no different. If the tracking issues do not let up, seek alternative expertise.

Your orthodontist may be startled and disappointed but they cannot refuse the transfer of treatment to another orthodontist.

HINT: Invisalign provides awards to orthodontists in regard to the quality and skill set of all orthodontists using Invisalign can achieve. Look for levels like PLATINUM or DIAMOND and know more about the provider.

Conclusion

At Tisseront Orthodontics we have all the knowledge on Invisalign treatment. Lots of changes happen frequently during treatment. Improper tracking is one of them. A good expert can fix tracking issues with routine appointments and oversight.

If you or your child seek orthodontic treatment but do not understand the process, contact us. We will answer your questions. Clear aligners are a great way to a perfect smile.

Contact our Reston office today to make an appointment to see Dr. Tisseront and his team. A discovery appointment is complimentary and easy to book.